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Why White Works
Sellers Often Ask, Why White? Here’s a few reasons why we love white.
* Resale Value. Preferred color choice of Buyers
* Makes the space feel larger
* Easy to imagine oneself living in the home
* Looks clean and streamlined
* Fits every style
* Elegant and classic
* Buyers Are More Attracted To White Kitchen Cabinets As Well As White Walls
* White reflects light to make a room look brighter
* White color is associated with calm and serene. The purest of all colors, the white, holds clarity, freshness, simplicity and being organized in its traits. People who love white color are often seen to be calm, balanced, fearless, optimist, independent and have a strong opinion.
* Photographing the Home. It may be best to let your walls act as a supporting element and often white is a great choice
* Color is a personal
* Buyers can better imagine their own things filling the space
Our home has white walls, but we have lots of pink furniture and pink artwork. The white walls allows more flexibility. The next color palette I’m considering is white and tan: a more neutral look.
Connect with The DiMaggio Betta Group, Corcoran Icon Properties
Gearing Up To Buy A Home: Key Factors That Go Into Writing An Offer
The following outlines the necessary elements of an offer to buy a house, helping you navigate this process with confidence and increase your chances of a successful purchase. Don’t get overwhelmed, just ask a lot of questions — now matter how small the question we can help.
Adam, Chase and I work as a team to make this experience as seamless as possible. Please connect us with your lender, if you are not working with one of our current partners, so we can position you for success when the time comes to present your offer. We will also refer insurance agents so when we enter into escrow you can obtain loan insurance for your new home.
The Offer:
- Purchase Price: The purchase price is the most critical element of your offer. It represents the amount you are willing to pay for the property. Determine a fair market value by considering comparable sales in the area. Depending on the number of offers being made comps will become irrelevant if you wish to beat out the competition. We will discuss appraisal and loan contingencies when contemplating the offer price
- Earnest Money Deposit: An earnest money deposit demonstrates your commitment to the purchase. It is a sum of money, typically 3% of the purchase price, held in escrow. Should the offer be accepted, this deposit is applied towards the down payment and closing costs. To insure confidence in the seller and seller’s agent we like to have funds wired within 24 hours, as per the default clause in the contract you have 3 days to wire funds to escrow which is to the title company who is the neutral 3rd party and takes instructions from both the sellers and buyers agents.
- Financing Contingency: Including a financing contingency protects you in case you are unable to secure a mortgage loan. This contingency specifies a timeframe within which you must obtain a loan approval. If financing falls through within the agreed-upon timeframe, you can withdraw from the transaction without losing your earnest money deposit. However, it is typical that a buyer in our competitive area, you may want to waive this contingency. This is one of the reasons we need to speak with your lender ahead of writing an offer. He/she will provide confidence in your ability to obtain financing and if he/she thinks you need this contingency or not. We can then share our confidence with the listing agent providing them a reason to take our offer over any others.
- Appraisal Contingency: Lender will lend up to 80% of the value of the home. If the home does not appraise a buyer will have to make up the difference in their down payment if there was not an appraisal contingency in the offer. We will discuss this each time we write an offer. If we are in agreement that the value is there a buyer will consider waiving this contingency. 90+% of our offers are non contingent.
- Inspection Contingency: Disclosures and Reports are typically provided ahead of time so this contingency (in our market) is typically waived in order to be competitive. On the contrary, in the LA area, agents/sellers do not provide inspections and/or disclosures ahead of time so there can be a renegotiation of price and credits. I prefer our area standards to theirs.
- Contingencies: Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the purchase to proceed. Common contingencies include a satisfactory home inspection, appraisal, and the sale of your current home if applicable. Clearly outline any contingencies you require, along with specific deadlines for completing them.
- Inclusions and Exclusions: Specify any items that you expect to be included in the sale, such as appliances, fixtures, or furniture. Conversely, outline any items you explicitly want to exclude. Being clear about inclusions and exclusions helps avoid misunderstandings during the negotiation and closing process.
- Home Inspection: Include a provision for a professional home inspection. This contingency allows you to hire a qualified inspector to assess the condition of the property. If significant issues are discovered, you can negotiate repairs, credits, or even withdraw from the offer, depending on the agreed-upon terms.
- Disclosures and Reports: Disclosures and reports are typically provided by the seller and their agent ahead of time —including property history, inspections, repairs, and any known issues. Review these documents thoroughly. Be sure to request the disclosure link for ANY property you are, or may be interested in, together we will be able to follow offer dates and obtain new information as it is made available.
- Closing Date and Timeline: Specify the desired closing date in your offer. This is the date when the ownership of the property will be transferred to you. Consider factors such as your financing timeline, the seller’s availability, and any other pertinent factors that may impact the closing date. A typical closing date is 21-30 days.
Interested in school information, local restaurants, cafes or activities? Need a doctor or dentist recommendation? We have you covered. We are also happy to make introductions to others who may help with school decisions, plus a myriad of other needs you may have as you target your search and settle into your new community. We are very connected and have a resource for anything you may need.
DiMaggio Betta Group
Debbi DiMaggio 510.414.6777 | Adam Betta 510.414.1250 | Chase Betta 510.418.3667
RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand and America’s Best Lists Name The DiMaggio Betta Group
DiMaggio Betta Group | Realtors for the Generations
- 35+ Years of Experience
- Top 1.5% of Real Estate Professionals in the U.S.
- 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals
Corcoran Icon Properties congratulates DiMaggio Betta Group named among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals in the U.S. 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals
We are honored to be selected among the 2023 RealTrends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, which includes the highest-producing real estate agents in the country. Those ranked are among the top 1.5% of 1.6 million real estate professionals in the United States. It’s a true honor to be one of them.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our colleagues at Corcoran, our clients, service providers, staff, family and friends for your continued support. We are here to help and navigate you through the real estate process so you too can achieve your real estate goals; and after 35 years we continue to be passionate about what we have the privilege of doing each and everyday.
Common Questions Asked By Home Buyers
Potential home buyers often have numerous questions as they navigate the process of purchasing a property. Here are some common questions asked by potential home buyers:
- Affordability: Buyers often want to know how much they can afford and what their mortgage options are. They may ask about loan pre-approval, down payment requirements, and estimated monthly payments.
- Neighborhood and Location: Buyers frequently inquire about the quality of the neighborhood, nearby amenities (schools, parks, shopping centers), safety, proximity to workplaces, and transportation options.
- Property Features: Buyers want to understand the specific features and condition of the property. They may ask about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, age of the home, recent renovations or upgrades, and potential maintenance issues.
- Pricing and Negotiation: Buyers often ask about the listing price, recent comparable sales, and strategies for making competitive offers. They may seek advice on negotiation tactics and factors that can influence the final purchase price.
- Financing and Mortgage Options: Buyers may have questions about different types of mortgages, interest rates, and the mortgage application process. They may inquire about the best lenders or seek recommendations for mortgage brokers.
- Home Inspection: Buyers commonly want to know about the importance of a home inspection and what it entails. They may ask about potential issues that could be discovered during the inspection and how to handle them.
- Property History and Disclosures: Buyers often inquire about the history of the property, including past ownership, renovations, or any known issues. They may also want to understand the seller’s disclosure obligations and what information they should expect to receive.
- Closing Process and Timelines: Buyers may ask about the overall timeline for closing on a property, including the steps involved and any potential delays or contingencies that could arise.
- Homeowners Association (HOA): If the property is part of an HOA, buyers may inquire about HOA fees, rules and regulations, and any special assessments or upcoming projects.
- Future Potential: Buyers may have questions about the potential for property value appreciation, the resale value, and any planned developments or infrastructure projects in the area.
These are just a few examples of the common questions that potential home buyers often ask. Each buyer’s situation and priorities may vary, so it’s important to address their specific concerns and provide relevant information to assist them in their decision-making process.
We are ready to assist you with your personal real estate goals.
Common Questions Asked by Home Sellers
Real estate clients who are interested in selling their property typically have various questions and concerns. Here are some common topics they may want to know about:
- Market Analysis: Clients often want to understand the current market conditions in their area, including recent sales prices, average days on market, and trends affecting property values.
- Pricing Strategy: Clients seek guidance on setting the right price for their property. They may want to know the fair market value, comparable sales in the neighborhood, and factors that can impact the listing price.
- Marketing Plan: Sellers want to know how their property will be marketed to attract potential buyers. They may inquire about online listings, professional photography, open houses, virtual tours, print advertising, and social media promotion.
- Repairs and Staging: Clients may ask about necessary repairs or improvements that can enhance the appeal of their property. They may also seek advice on staging, decluttering, or depersonalizing the home to make it more marketable.
- Timing and Timeline: Sellers often want to know how long it may take to sell their property and the best time to list it. They may inquire about seasonal market fluctuations and the average time properties stay on the market in their area.
- Negotiation and Offers: Clients may have questions about the negotiation process, including how to evaluate and respond to offers. They may want to understand contingencies, inspections, and potential counteroffers.
- Costs and Fees: Sellers often want to know about the costs associated with selling their property, such as real estate agent commissions, closing costs, and potential expenses related to repairs or staging.
- Legal and Documentation: Clients may have questions regarding the legal aspects of selling real estate, including required disclosures, contracts, and any local regulations or permits that may apply.
- Tax Implications: Sellers may seek information on the tax consequences of selling their property, such as capital gains taxes or tax exemptions that may be applicable in their situation.
- Moving and Relocation: Clients may inquire about resources for moving services, storage options, and assistance with the logistics of relocating to a new property.
These are just a few examples of the questions and concerns that real estate clients typically have when considering selling their property. Each client’s situation may vary, so it’s important to address their specific needs and provide personalized guidance throughout the selling process.
Interested in specifics for your home or move, just reach out. The DiMaggio Betta Group looks forward to speaking with you.
5 reasons a seller should stage
- We get one chance to make a good first impression, and selling a home is no different
- Photographs look better and will draw in more Buyers and provide more marketing opportunities
- The home will sell faster
- Buyers can visualize themselves in the home easier
- Staging is an expense, thus a tax write-off for the Seller
Allow us to help you prepare your home for market. Step Inside
Live On 5! with Debbi DiMaggio and Randy Baruh
LIVE on 5! Linkedin Live with Debbi DiMaggio and Randy Baruh
Conversation Recap and Takeaways
What is the mindset you have around your job or career?
For me it has always been — Real estate is NOT a job but a Lifestyle
Change out the word Real Estate with your Job and complete the sentence. FILL IN THE BLANK ____________ is Not a Job but a Lifestyle
Here are 5 Top Tips to help you embrace a similar mindset. No matter what career you are in you can make it fun by following these 5 Principles.
#1 Be Authentic | When you are doing what you love you are not only having fun but you are connecting with like-minded people who share a common interest.
#2 Be Creative | In Randy’s former life he was an actor and art director. Randy takes that same passion and love into his work as a real estate agent by creating entertaining and inspiring video content. Below is one of his most viewed YouTube videos.
#3 Create Opportunities | Rather than working from home or sitting behind a desk in the office, get out, be present and engage. When you are out in the world, or your community that is when opportunities arise. Randy strikes up conversations at his children’s sports games, standing in line at the grocery store and other places that are part of his daily routine. I don’t think this next one was intended but the outcome was unexpectedly fruitful. He was having his first colonoscopy and just was coming down from the anesthesia when the doctor, sitting in wait, across from Randy asked if Randy could help with him with a real estate need. Now that is truly an unexpected business opportunity! Randy leaned over, delirious, and grabbed a pen and paper and jotted down the contact information and details.
#4 Seek Inspiration | I find inspiration scanning fashion and design websites, movie sets, magazines, Pinterest, even Google images. The quickest way to spark creative and inspiring ideas is to Google what you are seeking to see what others are doing, then explore from there.
#5 Ask Questions | Most Realtors and quite frankly, anyone with a brand, product or service to sell is certainly more of a people person than one with an engineer type personality. One of the many aspects that keeps me so interested in real estate is working with a variety of personalities and people from around the globe. For over 30 years I have had the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and hear interesting stories. Engaging with others by asking questions is fun for me, so it’s easy to develop authentic relationships. I am truly interested in hearing other people’s stories. Randy shared a technique he uses called the FORD Method which includes question categories to ask when getting to know someone based on the FORD Method, an easy way to get a friendly conversation going.
To recap our TOP 5 Takeaways from Live On 5!
Be Authentic
Be Creative
Create Opportunities
Seek Inspiration
Ask Questions
One thing of many I will implement from our conversation today with Randy is to create videos and photographic content showing someone in the home, cooking in the kitchen, watching a movie in the media room, sipping a cocktail in the living room, reading a book on a comfortable chair in the den.
Love it Randy! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you to our guests and you, for stopping by, and allowing us to share what we love! We hope we may inspire you to feel the same — Real Estate or FILL IN THE BLANK ____________ is not a job, but a Lifestyle
Seeking to buy, sell, lease or invest in real estate in Manhattan or Brooklyn reach out to Randy Baruh.
Looking for the same but in the San Francisco East Bay Area-or-Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, LA contact Debbi DiMaggio. If you are seeking to buy, sell, invest or lease in anywhere else in the world, just ask us for a referral so we can connect you with a local, experienced, knowledgeable and passionate Realtor.
Linkedin Live on 5!
East Coast Meets West, A Real Estate Conversation with Randy Baruh (NY) and Debbi DiMaggio (CA)
Join Debbi and Randy on Linkedin Live this Friday, May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) — 11 AM PST and 2PM EST where they will break down the #BeCorcoran2023 Real Estate Conference hosted in the vibrant city of Nashville! Randy and Debbi will share marketing tips and more!
Come with questions or email ahead!
Debbi.DiMaggio@CorcoranIcon.com
When Asked About Real Estate Myths
Truth or Myth: I chose one common real estate myth, and here was my response.
MYTH: Home Buyers DO NOT need a Realtor
TRUTH: They do.
This is a myth for both home buyers and home sellers alike.
Let’s just review why a Buyer DOES in fact, NEED a Realtor when purchasing a home. Or, should certainly consider hiring a qualified Realtor.
Here are Top 5 Reasons To Partner with A Realtor for Success:
1. The Seller pays the commission so it would be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity to work with an expert.
2. Would you choose not to hire an attorney if you were being sued?
3. A Realtor will guide you every step of the way; they will counsel, offer advice, break down the process and dissuade you from potentially making a big wrong decision or many small mistakes.
4. An agent will connect you with a variety of professionals from service providers to reputable lenders and efficient escrow officers, to inspectors, insurance reps and more.
5. Your agent will provide insight and expertise and know what sorts of questions to ask the listing agent, service providers, lender, insurance agent, etc.
Avoid buying a home with latent issues, getting yourself into trouble and/or making a huge financial mistake. Working with a knowledgeable agent has big upside and not working with one may potentially cause you heartache, headaches and great financial loss.
To learn more contact the DiMaggio Betta Group.
Prop 19
Are you aware of the benefits under California Proposition 19?
Eligible homeowners have the ability to:
– Move anywhere in the state
– Purchase a more expensive home
– Transfer the property’s taxable value up to
three times in a lifetime
Have questions? Let us know how we can help.
We look forward to speaking with you soon!
Debbi, Adam & Chase
DiMaggio Betta Group | 510.414.6777 | 510.414.1250
